Lisle photographer honored with village's 2008 Spirit Award

Winners of the Lisle Spirit Award all demonstrate that a "can-do" outlook goes a long way toward making a positive impact on a community.

Lisle Mayor Joseph Broda established the award in 2003 to honor residents who have distinguished themselves. He encourages others to help make Lisle a community everyone takes pride in.

"I want to recognize individuals in Lisle who are doing things that benefit the whole community," Broda said. "Each has worked with the village to make this a better place for all residents."

Each recipient expressed surprise and honor at being selected. Their motives were never to receive recognition; rather they saw a need and strove to fill it.

The mayor uses his annual State of the Village address in January to bestow the award. The recipient of the 2008 Lisle Spirit Award is Renard Herrera.

Renard Herrera

The longtime resident has volunteered to document Lisle's history in photos.

Herrera's interest in photography began in high school when his involvement with sports turned from participant to photographer after back surgery. He studied photography, attended the Nikon School and considered joining National Geographic magazine. However, his career led him into sales; after he retired, he returned to photography.

He volunteered on the Lisle 50th Committee, taking photos. Many appear in the Lisle anniversary book. He now is documenting Lisle in the 21st century. He spent countless hours last year photographing Main Street to create two 8-foot-long images that hang in the Depot at the Museums of Lisle Station Park. He also coordinated and blended similar streams of photos of Main Street from 1980 and 1960 that soon will be on display.

Herrera has many ideas to involve senior citizens in helping the village and hopes his award encourages others to take part.

"I just love this town, and people really appreciate the help," he said.

Diane Tuscher-Ancede

Her enthusiasm for art energizes her volunteer efforts. The interior designer first saw the potential of adding historic Lisle scenes to the walls of the pedestrian underpass on Main Street. The all-volunteer effort won a state Governor's Hometown Award.

Tuscher-Ancede arranged Lisle's first outdoor art display, and the program was so successful the mayor established his award and Tuscher-Ancede received the first one in 2003.

"I develop my ideas to generate interest, excitement and involvement," she said. "It brings people together and becomes part of our community."

Now, she organizes the Bountiful Cafe's rotating art display and is working with the Eyes to the Skies committee to create a "Let's Do Art Tent" for this summer's festival. To participate in either project, contact dsa@metaformadesign.org.

Pat DeAngelo and Debbie Pallardy

In 2002, two Lisle residents on the community's In Touch Committee liked what they learned about the national Character Counts organization and agreed to personalize the program for Lisle.

Pat DeAngelo and Debbie Pallardy received the Spirit Award in 2004 for their leadership.

"Character Counts is not a matter of making yourself perfect, but it is something everyone should incorporate into their lives," DeAngelo said.

She is pleased with the group's growth and the addition of the Lisle Teens with Character group.

"In Character Counts, we are reaching out to Lisle businesses, the park district and schools to become involved," Pallardy said. "We also recognize good character with our Pillar Awards."

The two will have a training for teens interested in joining LTWC on Feb 15. For details, go to www.lisletwc.com. To join Character Counts, go to villageoflisle.org.

Katie and Carrie Straub

In 2005, after four of successful Sept. 11 Memorial Flag Rallies, the mayor awarded sisters Katie, now 19, and Carrie Straub, now 17, a spirit award for being the initial organizers.

"The award reminds me on a daily basis to keep making a difference," Katie said.

The event has grown to include a poignant memorial service, blood drive and car wash fundraiser for charity. It is now a significant part of the Lisle Teens With Character activities. The LTWC and the flag rally won a Governor's Hometown Award in 2004 and 2006.

Carrie encourages teens to get involved in their community because more people can have a bigger impact.

"Its also a great way to feel good about yourself and help others feel good, too," she said.

Interested teens can check out the LTWC Web site at www.lisletwc.org.

Wayne Dunham

Lisle's consummate volunteer received the award in 2007 in recognition of his chairing the Lisle 50th anniversary committee as well as his many years spearheading the annual Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival.

"I've always believed in giving back to your community" said Dunham, who came to Lisle in 1977.

"There is lots to be done and volunteer work helps," he said. "It is a wonderful sensation to throw a party and have everybody come and enjoy themselves."

Dunham is excited about this year's July 4th event, which will add a circus, serpentine art wall, miniature taste of Lisle, a beanbag tournament and lots of shade.

Katie Straub echoes each recipients' feelings:

"It is an honor to be recognized by your town. We couldn't have been more grateful to receive it."